The Wonder Years
The Greatest Generation
Hopeless/Universal Records (2013)
Score: 8/10
Armed with a strong reputation and cult-like fan base, the only question anyone had about The Wonder Years’ newest full-length was whether or not it would live up to all the hype that inevitably surrounded it. Well, fans can rest easy because The Greatest Generation firmly keeps them in their familiar spot atop the pop-punk world.
Released a week or so before the record, “There, There” provides a look at the band’s softer side, while the intense “Passing Through A Screen Door” zips by in a frenzy. “Chaser” has a calm melody hidden amongst a frantic pace, soaring hook and awesome guitar solo. I’d like to see “Cul-De-Sac” added to their live set immediately and I love how the piano and female backup vocals set the tone for the serious, heavyhearted “Devil In My Bloodstream.” A subtle snare pattern precedes the song’s ending which is as catchy as it gets.
The Wonder Years has always excelled at songwriting, and this release might just be the best, most unapologetic we’ve seen them. A particular lyrical standout comes from the near eight-minute finale track, “I Just Want To Sell Out My Funeral.” “There’s no devil on my shoulder. He’s got a rocking chair on my front porch, but I won’t let him in. No, I won’t let him in,” is a pretty sweet way to describe dealing with problems.
Even though I liked 2011’s Suburbia…, I found it a bit too sulky on repeat listens. I’ve always loved The Wonder Years when they speed up the pace and Soupy lets loose, working their softer songs around that style instead of the other way around. The Greatest Generation has more teeth and feels more complete to me than Suburbia did, with a wonderful balance between somber melodies and energetic punk rock. In a music landscape that favors youth, these guys are proving that getting better with age is a real thing. Soupy & Co. still got it, in bulk and I can’t wait to see these songs live.
– Felipe Garcia
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